Photo ©2023by Chelsea Jurgensen
Commentary ©2023by Russell Jurgensen

In this image from Sunset Lake Youth Camp, the rider is hugging the horse after a ride. It looks like the horse is returning the hug, and I think it is. The horses soak up all the attention they get, and the kids love the horses.

This makes me think about some examples of the relationship that God wants to have with us.

Protector: He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. Psalm 91:4

Guide: Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. Psalm 25:5

Friend: When Jesus saw their faith, he said, “Friend, your sins are forgiven.” Luke 5:20

Close friend: Remain in me, as I also remain in you. John 15:4

That last one is fascinating. It seems to call for active closeness on our part, not just on God’s part. Maybe it is like a hug.

Let’s remember to hold on to Jesus like a hug, so that we are unsure of who is hugging whom.